Rhode Island Outraged Over “Holiday Tree”

A Rhode Island lawmaker is calling Gov. Lincoln Chafee “Governor Grinch” after he defied lawmakers and decided that the state would have a “holiday tree” instead of a “Christmas tree.”

The governor defended his decision by arguing that it is in keeping with the state’s founding in 1636 by religious dissident Roger Williams as a haven for tolerance – where government and religion were kept separate.

Instead of arguing over the tree, the governor called on lawmakers to focus their energy on feeding the poor.

“I would encourage all those engaged in this discussion – whatever their opinion on the matter – to use their energy and enthusiasm to make a positive difference in the lives of their fellow Rhode Islanders,” Chafee told the Associated Press.

But Rep. Doreen Costa, called the governor a “Grinch.”

“He’s just to the left as far as left as you can possibly be,” the Republican lawmaker told Fox News & Commentary. “He tries to be politically correct 24-7.”